Garlic String Beans
A vibrant garlic string beans dish with fresh flavors, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or as a healthy side for various cuisines. Savory, tangy, and aromatic.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large heavy saucepan, heat the olive oil.
- Add minced garlic and string beans, and sauté over high heat to sear the beans, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Add dried thyme, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Pour in water and add vegetable bouillon cube or cubes.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and cover tightly.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the beans are tender when pierced with a knife.
- Add more water if necessary during cooking.
- For frozen beans, reduce cooking time by half.
- Finish by squeezing fresh lemon juice over the beans and tossing well.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or substituting the sea salt with Herb Blox for added depth. If you prefer a different herb, fresh basil or parsley can be excellent alternatives to thyme. Make sure to stir the beans frequently during the sautéing phase to ensure even cooking and prevent burning.
Serving Suggestions
These garlic string beans make a fantastic side dish for grilled meats or roasted chicken. They pair beautifully with a refreshing Carrot-Pineapple Appetizer or can be served alongside a hearty grain like quinoa or rice. For a complete meal, serve them with a protein-rich option like tofu or chickpeas for a satisfying vegan dish.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover garlic string beans can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Garlic String Beans contains roughly 2180 calories, with 2g protein, 12g carbohydrates, and 241g fat. It is a good source of iron (19% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1005mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned string beans instead?
Yes, you can use canned string beans, but reduce the cooking time significantly, as they are already cooked. Simply sauté them with garlic for a few minutes until heated through, then add the seasoning and lemon juice.
What can I substitute for vegetable bouillon?
If you don't have vegetable bouillon, you can substitute with a teaspoon of soy sauce or miso paste dissolved in water for a similar umami flavor. Adjust the salt accordingly, as these alternatives can be salty.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add a spicy kick, incorporate some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking. You can also sauté a finely chopped jalapeño along with the garlic for a fresh and spicy flavor boost.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).